Brief explanation of projects and terms
319 NPS
What is the Difference between Point Source and Nonpoint Source Pollution?
Point source pollution is generally treated wastewater that is discharged from the pipes of industrial facilities or domestic wastewater treatment plants into a receiving stream or water body.
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, on the other hand, is untreated pollution that generally cannot be traced back to a single source. Often, nonpoint source pollution is traced to multiples sources (both natural and manmade) within a watershed, such as stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, land disturbance and development activities, or ineffective onsite wastewater systems.
106 CWA Protecting Our Water
The water quality monitoring program is responsible for assessing the biological health of Rocky Boy’s streams and tributaries, and monitoring water and sediment quality throughout the Watersheds. The 106 CWA department includes the aquatic biological assessment and water monitoring units. The department works in support of the Tribal Water Quality Standards to ensure that Rocky Boy will always have clean water for drinking, recreation, tourism and continued economic growth. Tribal EPA Staff monitor all areas of the reservation conducting a variety of investigations. These investigations routinely include wastewater discharge monitoring, groundwater monitoring, electrofishing and stream surveys. The department often assists with special projects such as enforcement actions, environmental risk assessments or damage assessments resulting from chemical spills. The staff collects and evaluates a wide variety of water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples. The results of these studies are used to make certain that the streams, streams and reservoirs of reservation remain a treasure for all to enjoy.
Brownfields
The term brownfield means real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which is complicated by the presence, potential presence or perceived presence of a hazardous substance
Wetlands Protection
For much of our history, many people thought wetlands were useless swamps filled with mosquitoes. Today, we know that wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. A rich source of diversity, wetlands are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that are crucial to a healthy environment.
Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding seasons. People depend on wetlands, too. Wetlands filter pollutants from our drinking water, provide natural flood control and help prevent our streambanks from eroding. Wetlands are an important part of our natural resources, worthy of our respect and deserving of our protection.